His reason for coming here was serious – speaking about domestic violence at a luncheon benefiting two shelters for abused women – but actor Blair Underwood put smiles on the faces of everyone he met.
The star of “L.A. Law” arrived in Denver the day before his appearance at the Volunteers of America Guild’s annual fundraiser, enabling him to meet several of the event principals at a dinner hosted by event co-chair Susan Barnhill and her husband, Carl.
“(Guild founder) Irene Zarlengo is my new best friend, and I discovered that Carl Barnhill (a retired Coors Brewing Co. vice president) does the most incredible Robert DeNiro impression that I’ve ever seen,” Underwood recalled, adding that he spent several years in Colorado Springs as a youth, while his father was stationed at Fort Carson.
During the social hour that preceded lunch at the Grand Hyatt Denver, Underwood also met CH2M Hill vice president Faye Tate, who attended the same high school as he did in Petersburg, Va. “He was in the same class as my youngest brother,” Tate said. “I graduated a couple of years ahead of him, and his parents still go to the same church as mine.”
Proceeds from the luncheon – chaired by Kathryn Kaiser, Kathy Klugman and Barnhill – go to Brandon Center and Theodora House. Former Brandon resident Lisa Danoura also spoke, describing the compassion with which she was treated as she struggled to get back on her feet after escaping an abusive relationship.
Underwood said he does what he can to help survivors of domestic violence because of the love he has for the women in his life: His mother, with whom he has “an amazing relationship;” his wife, “the love of my life;” two sisters “that I adore” and his daughter, “my little princess.”
Luncheon guests included Elaine Wolf and Sandy Wolf Yearick, who offered a matching donation if other attendees would pledge $10,000 (they did); VOA Guild president Myrna Mourning; master of ceremonies Ed Greene and his wife, Barbara; Tangy Buchanan; Valerie Rye; Dianne Zarlengo; Jamie Angelich; Kalleen Malone; Faye Washington; Myrtle Roane; Dianne Eddolls; Sylvia Jackson; Sharon Daniels; Jody Yannacito; Betty Blecker; and Anne Aguirre.
Also, Emily Tarleton, Debi Tepper, LaFawn Biddle, Marlene Siegel, Charles Goldstein, Kalleen Malone, Carlotta LaNier, June Johnson, Carol James, Chris Agnew, Diana Murdy, Adrienne Fitzgibbons and Louise Richardson.
Society editor Joanne Davidson can be reached at 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com. She also contributes at denverpostbloghouse.com/Davidson.
